The Hoard by Neil Grimmett

Genre:  Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

The Hoard is a thriller set in the secretive, dangerous world of a Royal Ordnance Factory; a vast, surreal place full of some of the most volatile elements on the planet.

Thirty years before the main story, the nitration house at the ROF in Bridgwater exploded in a fireball that could be seen for miles around. The entire crew was killed, and the source of the explosion was never found; authorities claimed that the charge in the nitrator had gone critical and that the chargehand was unable to stop a lethal cook-off. But Gunner Wade, the man the nitration crew sent for help that day knows differently: they were murdered; and he was branded a coward.

Now Byron, the son of one of the victims, enters the sprawling Gormenghast-like compound of the top secret factory to discover the truth about his father's death. But what he finds in the dark heart of this world is a hidden hoard of super-high explosives; illegally produced and drenched in the blood of those killed to conceal its existence. As the threat of discovery mounts, Byron finds himself at the centre of a struggle between good and evil; both to prevent a destructive force from being unleashed again and to bring the sadistic mass murderers who killed his father to justice. He is aided by an unlikely alliance of helpers, including the beautiful widow of a murdered chemist and Gunner Wade. Against them are the original perpetrators and their new legion of evil acolytes.

Inspired by a massive explosion that killed six men at the real-world ROF Bridgwater facility in 1951 - no cause was ever found - The Hoard is a gripping, grim novel that offers a glimpse into a self-contained apocalyptic landscape scarred both by the birthing of the materiel that fuels war, and the hearts of evil men who would do anything for greed.  

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for a book that is dark, and full of people you can’t trust then this might be the book for you.

This book starts out in 1951 where we find a factory that is in definite trouble.  There are secrets within and they are secrets worth killing for.  Fast forward to the 1970s where we meet the son of one of the victims.  At the time of his father’s death he was unborn.  Now he has gone to work for the very factory that took his father’s life.  He needs to know why his father died. Unfortunately there are still those who don’t want anyone to find that information and once again they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep those secrets hidden. This is not one of those books  you quickly skim through and move on to the next.  This book is full of deeply drawn characters. The author has made sure that by the end of the book you know them well.  The idea that it is based on an actual factory accident made it all the more interesting to me.  Like I said.  If you like the dark side of things then this is definitely the book for you.  This is highly recommended for anyone who loves deep, dark thrillers.  I enjoyed this one much more than the threshing circle.  When asked if I would be interested in reading it, the thing that clinched it for me was being told that it was much darker than the first one.  This is something that I love in a thriller.  

Stillwell by Michael Phillip Cash

Genre: Adult , Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense, Ghost Story

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free.

My Thoughts:

There are many types of ghost stories. Not all of them have to be horrifying.  This is probably my favorite type. I love a story that is wrapped around a romance.  In this case we have Paul, who is dealing with the recent death of his wife from brain cancer.  He is trying hard to get his life back together for the sake of his children; twins Jesse and Veronica and the youngest, Stella Luna.  Paul, who has always made a living selling houses, has been asked by friends of his to sell their place, Stillwell Manor.  Paul has all the confidence in the world he can sell this place, even though it is known to be haunted.  Paul finds himself seeing things, including his wife.  Is it his imagination or is there something, or someone that needs his help?  Things are tied up neatly as Paul learns more of the history of the house and finds connections.  The question is, will he make those connections before it is too late for him and his children?  I love it. I especially love Hannah’s story.  I think this historical aspect made the difference for me.  This is definitely one of my favorites among the books I have read by this author.  I look forward to reading more by him.

The Threshing Circle by Neil Grimmett

Genre:  Adult, Mystery, Suspense

Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Warning:  There is some profanity and sexual violence mentioned in this book.

I wasn't really sure what to think about this book.  It sounded interesting from the beginning.  I was completely surprised by what I read.  It starts off in 1942 in a small village in Crete.  A young English woman is married to a Cretan soldier.  What she doesn't know is that he is married to another Cretan woman. She thinks the people of the village have accepted her when they give her a gift.  She shows it to her husband when he slips away from his patrol to see her.  Little does he know that the person who gave it to her has branded her in many ways and the Germans will use these gifts against her.  They take her from her house, leaving her young infant crying and they hang her.  Until she takes her last breath she believes she is dying for the cause of her village.  I could not believe how angry I felt at the villagers and how evil I felt some of them were.

The story then moves to present time and we meet a Scottish girl who is living in a Cretan village.  She keeps getting proposals from a Cretan named Barba Yorba.  They both see a young couple enter their village.  Barba Yorba is spooked by this for reasons you learn later.  Kristy welcomes Patneck and Eleni to the village.  She helps them find a jeep to tour the place.  Several strange events happen and then the couple disappear.  Kristy tries to find out about them and finds herself a target for reasons she doesn't understand.  She decides to seek the help of Barba Yorba.  At first he is reluctant.  The reason?  He holds secrets the villages and families want kept hidden.

This becomes a quick read because once you get started the action of it keeps you going.  You don't want to stop for any reason.  Definitely one you want to read.

Beyond Judgment “Brainrush III - Richard Bard

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adult
Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

From Goodreads:

With Publishers Weekly heralding the first book in his Brainrush thriller series as “terrifically entertaining” and “inventive and compelling,” and the sequel consistently near the top of the Amazon “Top Rated” list since its December 2011 release, Richard Bard now unleashes Beyond Judgment, which sees hero Jake Bronson at the mercy of his hidden past.

Suffering from coma-induced amnesia, Jake Bronson’s quiet existence in Italy is shattered by the arrival of a kill team doing the bidding of an ancient order. But while the assassins hunt Jake down, they unwittingly awaken fragments of his dormant memories and deadly skills. Now, with enemies stalking his every step, Jake is on a race to piece together his broken past and reconnect with lost allies and loved ones, risking everything to reawaken his true self and stop an ancient order from unleashing humanity's ultimate judgment.

My Thoughts

This is the third and last book in this trilogy and I have loved each one.  I keep waiting to see these on the big screen because that is where they truly belong. If you love action then this book was written for you. This is the good versus bad story that has you praising the protagonist for doing whatever it takes to protect those he cares about. 

In this book we get to meet Jake’s autistic son and see the connection they have. The bad guy in this book is as bad as they come. This series is science fiction at its best.  Imagine being the key that awakens an alien race that will decide if we “deserve” to continue living based on how far we’ve come. Now imagine that you are the one who has to save the world.  That’s a lot of weight on your shoulders. For Jake it’s just what he does.  If you’ve never read a science fiction book then this is the one you must read.

Devil in Disguise – Heather Huffman

Source:  I received a copy for review. The opinions expressed here are my own

Genre: Adult, Suspense

Danger, Romance, Suspense and a heavy dose of realism, is what you have mixed together in this book. Rachel Cooper is a reporter. She’s not just your everyday reporter. She thrives on getting the bad guys.  Now she is not only after the bad guys but has a personal stake in all of it.  Rachel receives a call from her mother.  Her sister is missing.  She calls the first person she can think of, Conrad.  She and Conrad

had a previous relationship. Had, because Rachel kept relationships at arms length. Conrad is the one person she knows she can rely on to help her get her sister back.  Getting her sister back isn’t enough.  When she learns her sister is a victim of human trafficking, she wants to do everything she can to shut these types of people down for good.  That means putting everyone in danger.  The danger doesn’t end when she finally gets her sister back.  I won’t say more because this is a book you really need to read.

The scary thing is that this really does happen.  I remember calling a parent because one of my students came to me concerned about a friend of theirs who was talking with an older man in a chat room.  Young girls are often so naïve.  This girl really didn’t see where there was any danger.  Her parents were unaware she was chatting online with anyone.  I always knew what my children were doing online.  I told them if they didn’t want me to see what they were doing then they needed to stay off.  Parents need to protect their kids from these types of predators. We can’t turn a blind eye and say that these things only happen in other countries.  These things happen right here in our own country and it is time we wake up to that fact. The author has done a wonderful job of bringing this to the reader’s attention.  This is a book that parents should read.

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN Book Tour & Launch Party

 

Welcome to the BlitzKat blog tour for Cathy Bryant’s A Bridge Unbroken. Another Miller’s Creek Novel set in the heart of Texas, A Bridge Unbroken brings two new characters to the forefront while still giving fans a glimpse of their favorite characters from the past, including the old geezers and Mama Beth.

 

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About the Book, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance Johnson isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

Click HERE to read a sample chapter of A Bridge Unbroken.

The Other Miller’s Creek Novels

| Texas Roads | A Path Less Traveled | The Way of Grace| Pilgrimage of Promise|

“Miller’s Creek, Texas…where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons…”

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My Thoughts

This is the fifth book in the Miller Creek Series.  I have enjoyed each one for several reasons.  Overall the message that she carries throughout reaches out and touches you where you are.  This book carries a theme of Forgiveness.  The romances her books have are not the mushy gushy type that I can’t stand. There is  always enough suspense to balance out the romance throughout the entire book.   The message of forgiveness is strong and reaches out to remind us that forgiveness is necessary, but not easy. You must forgive if you are to move forward in life.  We are told we must forgive others.  You can read in Matthew that if we don't forgive others our heavenly Father won't forgive us. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget, or you get over the pain the minute you forgive.  I have experience with this one first hand.  The pain can last for years.  But, once you forgive that person and you pray asking God to help you with the pain, it gets easier.  God has definitely given Cathy the ability to write books that reach out and touch your soul.  He has also given her some powerful themes for her books. Sometimes it is a book just like this that is what God uses to speak to, or create a healing in someone.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romances with suspense that speaks to you.  If you haven't read any of Cathy's books I would suggest you do so. You have several to choose from. 

 

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Author Interview

Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, Nana, daughter, musician, teacher, and writer. I enjoy just about anything outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and gardening. I also enjoy creative activities—home improvement projects, scrap-booking, painting, composing, and of course, writing. I love watching movies and reading books, though since becoming a writer, I can’t stop analyzing what I’m watching and reading. I’m a big reality TV fan, my favorites being Survivor and The Amazing Race–both great material for analyzing human behavior for my books!

Where do you write?
Our mountain cabin has an upstairs sleeping loft. It’s one large open room with the best view in the entire house. My writing desk is there, but I force myself to write in a corner facing a wall to keep myself from being distracted. (It works most of the time…)

What are you writing now?
I’m finishing up A Bridge Unbroken, the fifth book in the popular Miller’s Creek Novels. I had hoped  Future writing plans include a series of Bible studies and more Miller’s Creek Novels.

What inspired you to write A Bridge Unbroken? All of the Miller’s Creek Novels feature a spiritual theme that is relevant to me for different seasons in my life. In Texas Roads it was Christ being our home rather than placing our security in a place or building. A Path Less Traveled was about finding enough faith to follow God even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. (Boy, has He used that lesson in my life, and proven His faithfulness through it all!) The Way of Grace was my spiritual journey of learning how perfectionist tendencies can be a real hindrance to spiritual progress. The spiritual theme of Pilgrimage of Promise followed right along with my hubby and I stepping out in faith in a bad economy and high unemployment rates to do what we sensed God telling us to do, and the resulting joy and peace spurred on by the Lord’s faithfulness.

What do you want readers to take away from this book in particular? In my very humble opinion, forgiveness is one of the least understood tenets of our faith, yet central to the gospel we proclaim. I hope readers come away from the story with a fresh understanding of the gift of forgiveness, what it is and what it isn’t. (As an example: Forgiveness is unconditional. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the offender’s behavior.)

Tell us how you come up with characters. The characters actually introduce themselves to me. (I know, I know, they’re not real. I promise I’m not certifiable…) After they make their appearance, I fill out extensive character charts, including taking online personality tests for them! (Hmm, maybe I am certifiable…) But no matter how much preparation I put into the characters in the pre-writing process, they always reveal another facet of their personality during the actual writing of the book.

Of all the characters you’ve created, which is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt the answer would have to be Mama Beth, the wise woman in all the Miller’s Creek novels and the main character in the fourth book of the series, Pilgrimage of Promise. She is everything I want to be when I grow up—wise, kind, and loving. Just so you know, I’m not alone in choosing her as the favorite character. When I asked this question to the Miller’s Creek Reader’s Group on Facebook, the majority’s answer was Mama Beth.

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? I want my writing to honor and glorify God. If only one person is touched and moved closer to God as a result of my writing, then the hours of hard labor (and numb backside!) are worth it. One early reader of Texas Roads (the first book in the series) told me the story brought healing to her life. I can think of no higher compliment.

 

 

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About Cathy

A native daughter of the Lone Star State, Cathy loves spinning tales about life in small town Texas. When she’s not weaving stories about the fine folks in Miller’s Creek, you’ll find her rummaging through thrift stores, feeding her reality TV addiction, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.CatBryant.com.

Here are a few other places to meet up with Cathy in cyberspace:

|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

Reader friends on Facebook may want to visit the following groups, the first for book bargains and the second to discuss all things Miller’s Creek.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianBooks.Giveaways/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillersCreekReaders/

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About the Blog Tour and Launch Party

Cathy is celebrating the new addition to the Miller’s Creek family by having an  interactive Facebook Launch Party on May 22, 2014.  Come join A Bridge Unbroken Facebook launch party on May 22.

Don’t miss the fun! See you at the party!

Ebook Giveaway!!!
The author has graciously offered an ebook to one of my readers. 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time Square Time Shift – S.W. Lothian

Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Suspense, Humor
Source: I received a review copy from the author

 This is another wonderful series from this author.  In this series we meet Dr. Rex Hudson and his family.  Dr. Hudson and his assistant are in Peru at Machu Pichu looking for something important.  They find a black oblisk and have it shipped back to his home.  Once home he shares the exciting find with two of his three children, twins Eva and Lewis.  While inspecting it the three of them are sucked into it and find themselves in Time Square where all time goes through.  Unfortunately when they are sucked through the youngest son Thomas is left at home with his aunt who had been staying with them while their father is away.  Once in Time Square Dr. Hudson realizes by bringing back the oblisk he has upset time and time travelers everywhere are stuck.  He and the children must find a way to get back home and get the oblisk back to where it belongs.  Unfortunately the oblisk is stolen making their job more difficult.  The children are set to the task of helping to rescue those stuck in time.

Like his previous books in the Quest Series, S.W. Lothian is a master at creating time travel stories. The oher thing I love about his books is that he has the ability to tie adventure, suspense and humor all together in one book.  This is definitely the recipe for hooking a middle grade reader. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. It is one I will put on my shelves at school and then sit and wait impatiently for the next book in the series.

Author Bio From Amazon

S.W. Lothian is a funny and cool guy from Australia. His kids call him 'Phil Dunphy', because he reminds them of the dad from Modern Family. He isn't sure whether this is a compliment or not, but he takes it as a compliment.
As an imaginative kid he dreamed of creating exciting worlds and funky characters, and thought he'd be the most famous person to ever do this. He loved to draw and was dux of Art in High School. Top of his dream list was to be an animator. He loved watching all those classic cartoons on TV - Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Road Runner, Wacky Races, The Simpsons, the list goes on and on.

BOOM! Reality hit. The dreams were parked as the corporate world beckoned. Then, 25 years later, the long-held dream to create erupted like a jam donut in a microwave and S.W. started writing fiction for kids of all ages.

His books can be summed up as fun-action-packed-time-travel-adventures-for-the-kid-in-everyone. He writes stories to excite, inspire, teach and thrill. Stories with awesome edge-of-your-seat fun. Stories that let kids escape to new places, and adults remember the dreams of their own childhood.

His debut novel, The Golden Scarab, was a 2013 READERS' FAVORITE BOOK AWARD FINALIST.

S.W. Lothian can be followed via

Twitter 

Facebook 

Websites: www.swlothian.com and www.timesquaretheshift.wordpress.com

The Carvings: A Short Story Anthology by Drake Vaughn

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Source: I received a copy in exchange for my honest review

From Goodreads:

The Carvings Collection: A selection of ten shocking tales from the crinkled mind of Drake Vaughn. The short stories span every arena of horror - from psychological tales of imagination gone wrong (“Dolls” and “Carvings”), to supernatural monsters (“Master Key,” “Sales,” and “Flatheads”), to realistic crime (“In The Chair,” “The Test,” and “Driver’s Seat”), along with a new spin on old tropes (“Trip to V-Town” and “The Garden”). All are bite-sized chunks for fans of horror and dark pulpy fiction.

My Thoughts:

I love short stories.   When I only have a few minutes to read I can sit with a good short story and get my reading fix.  This book is filled with great stories.  I must tell you that some of the language is a little rough in a couple of the stories.  However, if you can just jump over those words you will thoroughly enjoy the book.   The first story “Dolls” held the utmost creep factor.  When I read stories like this it makes me wish I could spend the day getting to know the author, just to see how they really think.  “In the Chair”  reminded me of one of those great movies you see on TV where you think the criminal is going to get caught only to have things spun around in some weird twisted way that catches you by surprise.  I mean this in a good way.  “The Garden” was one of those stories that took me by surprise.  It leads you to think one thing and then you get to the last page only to have it be something completely different than what you thought.  I would have to say my favorite of all of the stories was the one the book was named after, “The Carvings”.  Once again the author leads you down a path only to surprise you at the end.  I have to say that this was one ending that completely surprised me and I completely agreed with.  You really need to read this book to see what I am talking about because I’m not going to say anything more that I have said.

About the Author:

Drake Vaughn is the author of The Zombie Generation, along with many other pieces of dark fiction. His self-proclaimed “crinkled fiction” is a blend of horror, dark fantasy, and speculative fiction with a heavy psychological bent. His tales appear deceptively simple, but transform into a wild spree of suspense, madness, and trauma. He lives in Santa Monica, CA with his wife and a black cat named Shadow (who he is certain has come back from the dead on a number of occasions.)

To discover more of his crinkled tales, please visit his Amazon page.

Likewise, feel free to follow him on Twitter and like his page on Facebook. Or join his mailing list at his website:  www.DrakeVaughn.com

Collapse: A Survival Thriller by Scott Carleton

Genre: Adult Thriller

Source: Purchased

Pages:  108

From Goodreads:

Based on real-life events this part action-thriller, part cautionary tale, Collapse is the story of one man’s fight to save the ones he loves when the tenuous fibers that hold society together become strained and begin to snap.

Matt Avery is put to the test as his entire city experiences a loss of electricity, failure of lines of communication, and civilian looting and violence. With a wife, daughter, and small circle of friends in his company, Matt’s survival skills and nerve are tested as he fights to protect his home and feed his family in the wake of disaster.

Matt must make difficult life and death determinations that no one ever hopes to face. Matt has been planning for this moment for years, but now that it is upon him, does he really have what it takes to survive?

My Thoughts:

Once I started this book I could not put it down.  I had to read it from beginning to end.  I have my students complete a creative writing assignment each year that puts the world in a position where things do not work and they must find a way to survive.  In this story when power goes out and civilians are told to stay home we see what can really happen.  It is scary to think that people will behave the way they do in the story. Unfortunately, whenever we have had any major catastrophe we see the ugly side of humanity.  The question is, are we really prepared?  I live in Florida and we have hurricanes.  We are told to keep a hurricane kit ready.  I know for a fact that the more time that goes by without a major hurricane the less we follow that directive.  The same goes with people who live in earthquake or fire prone zones.  History has demonstrated that when society hears the tornado sirens or tsunami sirens and nothing happens they get complacent.  With all of the technology we have today, do we rely on it so much that we won’t be able to function or survive?  I recommend this book to everyone.  It is terrifying on one hand and an eye opener on the other.  

The School of Ministry: The Windgate by Braxton Cosby

Publisher: Keith Publications

Pages: 405

Genre: Young Adult/Adult, Supernatural Thriller

Source: I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

From Goodreads:

A young man named Ziv struggles to find his place in life after both of his parents are murdered. Orphaned and alone by the age of six, he bounces in and out of foster homes hopeless and afraid, wondering if he will ever find a path to happiness. He resolves to accept a life of depravity, until one day he discovers he possesses the gift of sight: to see creatures from the afterlife, but not angels...demons! Ziv is recruited by The School of Ministry, a secret society that promises to help him find his best friend Stephanie, who has gone missing. But there is one catch: he must agree to join them in their quest to eradicate evil and protect the weak. Ziv learns that he is a "Conduit," which allow him to cross over into the spirit world and transcend time itself. When he is partnered with two other young men who have similar gifts, the unlikely trio is trained in the mastery of weapons and the art of Shouting, during treacherous challenges of the tortuous Quad in preparation for their mission: to secure the Windgate. Ziv becomes entrenched in a quest of identity, love, and will, until comes face to face with pure evil itself--Akabod, the spiritual prodigal son to the School of Ministry and a master of talents.

My Thoughts:

I know of very few people who don't love a story that pits good against evil, has a romantic side to it and then throws some wickedly great challenges in.  Braxton Cosby seems to have the recipe for creating fascinating stories that the reader can't put down.  I started reading this on my commute to and from school. I was not making much progress. My evenings were tied up preventing me from reading.  All it took was one glorious day with no school, no writing and the book was mine.  I finished it in a little under four hours.  I love the world Cosby has built inside "The School of Ministry". For every test and trial that Ziv went through I looked at my own life.  They are life lessons that we can apply to our own life.  Ziv has an issue with holding onto anger. The lessons he learned by looking within himself and the way it affected his walk with God made me to the same thing. I took these lessons he learned and learned from them myself.  I don't think this was necessarily what the author was going for when he wrote the book.  I believe this is just an added bonus. The Christian aspect was a plus for me.  The non-believer as well as the believer will enjoy this story. The action in this book is told in such a way that for a visual person like me I was carried into each battle and training.  I felt my heart pounding whenever Ziv's heart would pound.  As far as the two possible love interests in the story, I haven't made up my mind about them.  Cosby has left so many neatly tied up loose ends that the next book in the series can take many twists and turns.  All of them will be absolutely delightful. The only thing I absolutely hate, is that I will need to wait for the next book in the series to come out. To that I say, "Write faster Braxton Cosby".

About the Author:

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a vision of continuously evolving and maximizing the untapped potential of the human spirit. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife and three children. He writes stories aimed at both entertaining and encouraging people to think and act. 

You can find out more about him:

www.braxtoncosby.com

www.theschoolofministry.com

                                         

Student Saturday: Golden Buddha - Clive Cussler

Student Reviewer: Nicolas B.

Do you like action and suspense? If you do, then the book the Golden Buddha by Clive Cussler is for you. IN the book, the Dalai Lama has been over thrown, by the Chinese invading Tibet. Juan Cabrillo (born in California) and his team must help the Dalai lama by getting the golden Buddha from the thieves who stole it. They tracked the Buddha to a billionaire in China.

I really like this book because I like the genre of the book. The ship Juan and his crew sail on is magnificent, because it's painted like an old rusty cargo ship and it's so much more. this is the first in the series, The Oregon Files. the setting of the book is in modern times because of all the technology that Juan uses. Juan is really cool because he can speak five different languages, can steer a ship, knows how to hack most computers, and he's a crack shot. He is amazing even though he is handicapped.
I would recommend this book to whoever likes spies and traps.

Shadow of Darkness - Rashad Freeman

Pages:  264
Source:  I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Genre:  Young Adult, Thriller

From Goodreads

Anthony Dimair isn't your average teenager. Anthony Dimair doesn't have your average teenage problems. Unfortunately, Anthony dimair doesn't know that yet. By most accounts Anthony's been a pretty normal kid his whole life. When he starts what should be a normal year of high school, he suddenly begins to change. There's something dark buried deep inside him, but it wants to get out. As people start disappearing and unknown assailants start following him, Anthony turns to his Uncle for answers. With only the help of his friends he sets off on a quest to discover the truth. But discovering the truth may very well get him killed. Follow Anthony on an epic adventure as he races against time and the darkness inside him. Will he survive to find out the truth? Or will he get himself and his friends killed in the process?

My Thoughts

This was a fabulous book. From the first chapter where you read what seems to be a lab experiment gone terribly wrong the action never stops.  There is a lot of humor built into the book that will definitely grab middle grade kids.  Anthony Dimair has started high school with his best friends.  However, in addition to the normal teenage angst he suddenly sprouts wings and doesn't know why.  The author has created characters that are very believable in their actions.  You get a feel immediately that they are teens.  He has created a plot that will keep you reading from beginning to end.  I read the whole book in just two hours.  I was surprised by the way the book ended.  I didn't want it to end that way.  However, I have to say that since this is the first book in this series that it definitely had a great ending.  I can't wait until the next book comes out.  I am sure this is a book that my students will definitely love.  I can't wait to introduce them to it tomorrow.

You can find his book at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Student Saturday: The Limit by Kristen Landon'

Today's student review is by Whitney.

The Limit is about a boy who has just started middle school and already he has found out that an eighth grade girl was taken by the government, because her parents went over their spending limits. Up until then they were only kidnapping high school kids. So, Matt (the main character) is starting to think he will be the next one to be taken. But he dismissed the thought because his family members are responsible spenders, and as long as they continue to stay that way he shouldn't have to worry, or should he?

The main character Matt is very smart.  He has a 3.007 GPA and is quite the wiz in math. He enjoys playing with his friends after school and has two younger sisters. I made the connection between me and Matt because we are both in the sixth grade. Personally I think this book is amazing and can relate to tons of people.

Now, I would recommend this book to someone a little on the mature side of reading, but other than that, I think people will enjoy this book. There are two main settings in this book, Matt's house where he goes after school, and usually invites his friends over. The second setting is the warehouse. This is where the government sends the kids to work. I enjoyed this book a lot and if you give it a chance I bet you will too.

The Twins - Saskia Sarginson

Publisher: Redhook (August 27, 2013)
Pages: 384
Source:  I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Genre: Adult, Suspense, Mystery

I know many people who hate reading books that are told in multiple points of view.  I happen to love it.  I feel like I get a more rounded picture in my head.  This book is not only told in multiple points of view but also alternates between first and third person.

This is the story of two twins who lived with their mother who was a hippy.  She had originally lived in a commune and then moved the kids into a cabin in the woods.  She kind of let them do their own thing.  They spent a lot of time in the woods. It is there that they met twin brother Michael and John.  Then something terrible happens.  Their mother dies and they go to live with an aunt.
Isolte, called Issy has grown up to be very successful.  Her twin Viola has battled an eating disorder.  As she is in the hospital Issy decides to help her.  The only way is to go back to their childhood home and face the demons that are keeping Viola in this state of self-destruction.

Issy's chapters are told in third person and deal with present time which happens to be 1987. Viola's chapters are told in first person as flashbacks to 1972.  There are many secrets to be uncovered for both of the to heal properly.  There were a lot of things that kept you reading.  I love books that are so descriptive.  This author has the ability to describe the setting so that you feel you are there or you wish you were.  She has also created an emotional read that kept me turning the pages.  As I tell my students, a book that can pull you in and make you emotional is a good book. This in my opinion is a great book.

Hunt and the Hunted

These were the last two books I had read for the Spring Into Reading Challenge.  I had not had a chance to write and post their reviews until today.  I have to say that this was definitely the way to end the challenge.

The Hunt – Andrew Fukuda

Pages: 293
Source:Review copy in exchange for my honest review of the book
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

If you like vampire stories then sit back and enjoy this one.  This is not your “Dracula” or “Twilight” vampire story.  No this one is full of descriptive gore.  Imagine living in a society where you are human and must pretend that you are a vampire just to survive.  That is exactly what Gene does.  He’s been trained well to blend in.  He must shave his body every day and make sure he has absolutely no human odor.  He polish his fake fangs.  The problem I saw was that Gene has lived among them for so long that when they talk of humans, called hepers, he has trouble understanding a heper’s point of view, even though he is one. Ashley June is a girl at his school.  She is quick  thinking and definitely has a thing for Gene.  He feels the same way but was always taught to show no emotion.

Ten years have passed since “The Ruler” has had a heper hunt.  He has just announced they have enough humans for a heper hunt and that seven  people will be chosen by lottery to participate.  Gene is one of those unlucky ones.  Now he is to be locked up with the other winners to train for this hunt, along with Ashley June.  He keeps referring to the humans as hepers and the vampires as the people.

One of my favorite parts of the training was when the Director was giving a lecture about hepers .  She droned on about things like the reason hepers sing is because they had a mistaken belief that it helped their food grow.  It showed a weakness on the part of the vampires.  Gene chalks it up to the fact that hepers have become almost extinct so the only thing the vampires can do is speculate.  He makes a comparison to vampires becoming extinct and humans making assumptions such as vampires sleeping in coffins instead of hanging from ceilings in footholds, they would have no reflections, and even made a comment about heper-people romances.  The author’s allusion to “The Twilight Series” and “Dracula” stories made me laugh.

But Gene has another problem. He is a heper, he has met the hepers in the dome and he knows what is to become of them.  Should he share that knowledge or should he continue to play the role of a vampire to save himself?  Lots of twists and turns in this book.  There are a couple of surprises as well.  This was probably one of the best vampire books I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the sequel “The Prey”.  Move over “Hunger Games”.  For those who love dystopian fiction, and vampires, this is the best of both worlds.

Children of the Fog – Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Pages: 278
Source:  purchased
Genre:  Adult Mystery, Thriller

I was captured by the prologue of this book.  I entered to win a copy and did not win, so I purchased it.  From the moment you read the prologue where you find Sadie, an alcoholic determined to commit suicide to the moment she sees the faces of children out side her window as she places the gun to her head, you are caught.  Why does she want to kill herself? What happened to her son? Who are the children outside the window and what do they want?  These were the questions that popped into my head as I began the journey of reading a book that I KNOW I will re-read several more times. 

We find out that Sadie is an author and is currently writing and illustrating a story about bats for her son.  Her illustrative abilities will help and hurt her situation when the notorious “Fog” kidnaps her son in his own bedroom.  She hears a noise and goes to check on him only to catch him in the act. No one has ever seen his face until Sadie.  He gives her a choice, let him leave with her son and he lives or he will kill him right there in front of her.  I kept thinking what I as a mother would do.  One part of me kept thinking I’d rather he kill him so that I knew it would be quick and over because if he took him I had no idea what type of torture he would go through.  The other side of me said, let him  go because I would not want to witness my  child’s murder.  Sadie does just that, lets him go. She is warned she will never see her son again if any details about what he looks like gets out. 

We go from this situation to her husband coming in late.  Right away we know there is a big rift in their marriage.  That helps ramp  up the tension.  When he finds a sketch she has made of the kidnapper, we know from his personality that things have gone from bad to worse.  Throw in the legal troubles he is having and that would be enough for anyone to want to throw in the towel.  Sadie decides to go off into the woods, rent a cabin, get her affairs in order and then take her life.  However, she is getting nightly visits from children who keep telling her they need her help.

There were so many eloquently executed twists and turns in this story. I kept flying through the pages to find out what happened next.  I was frustrated when my husband woke up and told me I had to put the book down because I only had two hours until I had to get ready to go to work. I solved that problem though.  I assigned a silent reading day in class so I could finish the book.  I guess I got pretty involved because I looked up and my students were watching me.  I was making noises as I read the book.  They figured it must be really good if I was “that into it”.  I told them it was and that if I could find a middle grade/young adult book that was as suspenseful, I’d have several copies on my shelves.  This is a definite must read for anyone who loves mysteries, suspense, a good thriller.  This is definitely a great author, one whose works I will continue to read.  I love it when I can find a new author.

Re-Post "No Holly for Christmas"

Publisher:  Whiskey Creek Press

Pages:  390

Source:  Received a copy for review

Genre:  Adult, Romance, Suspense

Here is the excerpt:

Widowed, practically penniless, and banished to an Alabama rural community, ex-socialite- turned social worker Holly Cavanaugh Winter is dreading the approaching holiday season. However, her angst is not due to her husband's untimely death last December 25th, but because of a secret, one she keeps locked deep in her heart, that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid Christmas.

On special assignment for the DA, defense attorney, Brian McAlister has all but given up on relationships when his path unavoidably crosses Holly’s. However, love at first sight quickly turns frigid when Holly is pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. With his case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe, while bringing an assassin, and the powerful man who hired him, to justice.

My thoughts:

I don’t like mushy-gushy romance.  This book is anything but that.  I will always read suspense or thrillers with romance thrown in.  This was my first opportunity to read a book by Julie N. Ford.  However, it will definitely not be my last time.  Julie has created a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.  The characters are very believable.  Reading this book was like sitting and watching a movie where you see the villain sneaking up on the unsuspecting victim and you want to shout at them “watch out”.

Attorney Brian McAlister is filling in for his father, a prominent attorney, while he is in the hospital.  Brian doesn’t care much for his new partner Margo.  However, circumstances and a case bring him together with Holly Cavanaugh Winter, Margo’s sister.  Both Holly and Brian can feel the electricity between them.  Margo tells them both from the beginning why this won’t work out.  Brian has been married multiple times and really doesn’t trust his judgment.  He is still holding a candle for an ex-girlfriend Josie, who just happens to be married to a judge.  Holly no longer trusts men due to the betrayal of her rich husband right before he died.    This is the set up for a great read.  You know they are going to fall in love.  The question is what can the author throw in their path to make this journey seem impossible yet make the slowly building bonds of their love even stronger.  In this case, the author has thrown in a high-powered businessperson who thinks if he threatens what Brian loves most then he will get things to go his way.  To say more would just ruin it.  I believe this is a book most people will enjoy.  I know I kept wondering who would survive and at what cost.

I have to say that Margo, Holly and Brian were not my favorite characters.  They were very likeable.  My favorites were two characters that played a major role in Holly’s life.  When Holly goes from living in the most desirable area and shopping in the most expensive shops to living in a middle class area and shopping at Wal-Mart, you know there has to be culture shock.  Enter Wandean and Deidra-Belle.  These two women are the best example of the lifestyle Holly has always tried to avoid.  Yet, when Holly needs a shoulder to cry on or someone to lift her spirits, these women and their quirky ways are the perfect people to turn to.

I am recommending this book not only to the readers of my blog but also to those I work with that love to read.  Every now and then, you need a book that will put you in the spirit of Christmas, yet give you a taste of romance and suspense.  This book has it all.

Raider's Vendetta - Karen Arnpriester

Publisher:  Createspace

Pages:  334

Source: Review copy from author

Genre:  Adult, Christian Suspense

Synopsis

Charley knew what God wanted from her. She was willing to trust and obey as she protected the others in the bank. Then He would save her from her captor.
There was no way she could have anticipated the rage that would be unleashed in response to her prayers and her faith in God.

Raider was desperate, hardened, and his past had set the stage for an insane game of survival and spiritual warfare. The vendetta was in motion and Charley discovered that she needed her God to provide extraordinary miracles to keep her alive.

My Thoughts:

What makes one person feel that people are on the wrong track when they start talking about God?  What can we do to help them find the path to God?  Read Karen’s book to find out what a difference one person can make.

Once I started reading this book  I had difficulty putting it down.  We are introduced to a scenario we see too often on the news.  A robbery gone bad and hostages taken.  In Raider’s Vendetta we meet God fearing Charley, an elderly woman who finds herself one of the hostages.  When things go wrong the second robber takes hostages.  Charley decides to call him Raider because of his baseball cap.  She feels God’s presence even in this situation.  She comforts and helps the other hostages.  Raider is able to think on his feet.  He plans his escape.  He will need one hostage.  God makes it clear to Charley that she should be the one.  From this point on in the book the reader is treated to one suspenseful even after another.  Charley is tested beyond what most people could endure.  God sends a protector and miracle after miracle.  How far will God allow things to go?  Will Charley be able to make a difference in Raider’s life?  Will either of them survive?

This is a must read book.  My daughter came in to pick up her kids and took one look at the tears running down my cheeks and asked, “Good Book?” to which I replied, “No, Great Book!”

This is a book I will reread again because I know there are lessons I can learn about my walk with God.  I loved the way Karen brought in a character from her first book.  I am honored that she asked me to review her book.  This is so good.  I believe it would make an excellent movie. 

Check out Karen’s website where you can order her book and watch her book trailer.  This is one book that should be in every Christmas stocking.

A Full Day of Reading

Brainrush II, The Enemy of My Enemy – Richard Bard

Publisher:  CreateSpace

Pages:  332

Source:  Received a copy for review

Genre:  Thriller, Action, Adventure

From Goodreads:

Former combat pilot Jake Bronson believed the worst was behind him.  But when a sophisticated terrorist cell shows up in his home town, he’s drawn into a conflict that threatens the heart and soul of every mother in America.  The bonds of love and loyalty are tested as Jake and his friends are swept into a deadly game of good versus evil.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book more than the first one.  This is so action packed I feel like I’m watching a movie in my head as I read.  Hey out there in Hollywood, this would make an excellent movie, hint, hint.

Jake Bronson has a special gift or curse depending on how you look at it, created by an accident.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about you need to read the first book.

Richard Bard has learned how to take a story and make it enough of a roller coaster ride that you are holding on waiting for the next drop.  He has added enough current events to make the story very believable.  It is not only an action roller coaster, but also at times an emotional rollercoaster.  Through this book we get to read about terrorists, drug cartels, gang members, and other unsavory people.  I can travel to places through his books that I will probably never be able to travel to.  I get the thrill of watching Jake come to the rescue once again.  In the end the book leaves us with a satisfying conclusion, yet yearning for the next book.  Hurry please, and thank you.

Rust - Glen Joshpe, M.D.
Publisher:  CreateSpace
Pages:  202
Source:  Review copy from author
Genre:  Adult, Adventure, Scientific Mystery


I'm not really sure how to describe this book.  There was so much medical jargon and description that someone not familiar with it would probably be turned off.  At times I felt as if I was reading a medical book.  Fortunately when my sister was going through nursing school my favorite summer past time was reading her nursing books for fun.  Yes I know that sounds strange, but if it had words I read it.  I enjoyed the scientific material.  I read it straight through at one sitting.  I had to see what happened and how it would end.

Alex Stein is a Cornell University scientist who has discovered how to prolong life.  This is discovered when data from a census taker in a region of Africa comes across the desk at the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington, D.C.  This was so far off the charts that it raised a red flag.  This prompted the CIA to get involved.  The CIA sent Carlton Terry to Alaska to track down Alex's former roommate, Steve Hinton.   Word reaches Alex that the CIA is trying to locate him and he decides he must leave Africa.  Carlton learns all he can from Steve Hinton and is informed of Alex's disappearance.  Their next plan of attack is to locate Alex's grand-daughter Abby.  He goes in undercover.  When Steve Hinton is killed Carlton realizes he must locate Alex and protect him and Abby at all cost.  Read the book to find out who else is after Alex and what they would kill to find out.

I enjoyed the mystery line of the story. I loved the way it ended.  I even enjoyed learning more about the body.  This may be the teacher in me that is always wanting to learn more.  The author has given several resources in the book that are actual working sites.  He himself  graduated from New York Medical College.  He has published three other books.  He currently lives in Bradenton, Florida with his wife Vicki.

Submerged - Dani Pettrey

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  320

Source:  Received a review copy from publisher

Genre: Christian, Romance, Suspense

From the Publisher:

A sabotaged plane.  Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again.  She has a past, and a reputation—and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget.  She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives.  He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town.  But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge.  She broke his heart…but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago.  And he’s not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

My Thoughts:

This sucked me in right from the beginning.  We get a good look at how things we do in our teens can scar us.  It doesn’t matter if we come to the Lord and he takes away our sins, we have a tendency to hold on to things because we thing we don’t deserve forgiveness.  This  is how Bailey feels.  When she has to return to the home of her teen years she believes EVERYONE will remember her the way she was and not see her for the person she has become.  I loved how Cole could see the difference and instead of pushing Bailey to recognize and accept the change in herself he prayed that God would open her eyes. 

The suspense was awesome.  I know this is only the first book in the series.  I can’t wait to find out more about Landon and Jake, and the mysterious missing brother Reef.  We were left with just a small look at their character.  There is so much more to be learned.  If you are looking for a book that will hold you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, this is it.  If you are looking for a book that has a Godly message but doesn’t preach at you, then this is definitely the book for you.  You will fall in love with Piper who is  one of the kindest, most loving people.  She would do anything for you.  Cole is the very protective brother who runs the business with his siblings. Gage is the bottomless pit who always has Coles back as long as he is well fed. Kayden comes off as tough.  It is almost as if she THINKS she must prove herself to be equal in a man’s world. 

Landon the cop, and Jake the mysterious man who drifted into Yancey and works for Cole leave us wanting to know more of their life.

I must mention one other thing about this book.  I would never have thought I would become interested in Russian History.  This book not only teaches you a lot of Russian History, but if you are like me, you feel you must do more reading on the subject.  I love books that make me want to learn more.  I will definitely recommend this author and look forward to reading more of her books.  Shattered, the second book in her series should be out in February of 2013.

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